Kalpana Balan sets world record with 38 teeth
Kalpana Balan has achieved a rare feat by having more teeth; she has 38 teeth in total which is 6 more than the average number of teeth present in human beings. Of the six extra teeth, there are four extra mandibular teeth, present in the lower jaw and two extra maxillary teeth, present in the upper jaw.
(Image credit: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/)
Canadian man is the world record holder with 41 teeth
Kalpana has set the world record in the female category. Evano Mellone from Canada is the world recorder in the male category with 41 teeth. “It is thought that supernumerary teeth develop from an extra tooth bud arising near a regular tooth bud, or possibly from the splitting of a regular tooth bud,” the Guinness World Records (GWR) has said.
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“It’s my lifetime achievement”
“I am so happy to get the Guinness World Records title,” she told the Guinness World Records. “It’s my lifetime achievement,” she added. Guinness World Records - originally the Guinness Book of Records - the ultimate authority on record-breaking achievements, started out as an idea for a book of facts to solve arguments in pubs.
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She can extend her record
As per the information available on the GWR website, Kalpana can extend her record as she is awaiting two more teeth grow. "And Kalpana could be able extend her record in the future, as she has two more teeth which haven’t come through yet," the official statement says.
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Hyperdontia
Presence of extra teeth is medically known as hyperdontia. These extra teeth are also called as supernumerary teeth. "Kalpana’s supernumerary teeth began growing one-by-one during her teenage years," as per the official statement released by Guinness World Records. Up to 3.8% of the world’s population have one or more supernumerary teeth.
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Is it a problem?
Usually, doctors recommend removing it, but in many cases including that of Kalpana's the person can choose not to remove it. Surgical removal of the teeth is recommended because the extra teeth cause crowding and displaces other teeth causing a disruption in the teeth alignment. Kalpana’s teeth do not trouble her, but “they do pose an issue when she eats, as food often gets stuck in between them,” GWR has said.
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